Chapter 28: In-Laws

Uncle Hu’s words struck a chord of alarm within me. Could it be that something truly momentous had happened to the Liu family?

"Uncle Hu, what is going on? Please, tell me the details."

Seeing my dejected mood, Uncle Hu seemed to guess the situation. He sat down beside me and began to recount everything he had learned. As expected, the relationship between Liu Qingqing and Chen Feng had accelerated rapidly. Liu’s father, who had previously opposed their union, had completely reversed his stance. He had actually consented to their marriage, and the mastermind behind this shift was Chen Yanlong of the Chen Mansion.

From Uncle Hu’s account, I realized the reason behind Liu’s father’s actions. Ever since the haunting at his home, Liu Sihai had been plagued by constant fear and anxiety. He worried that without my protection, the entire Liu family would fall into ruin—a fate he was desperate to avoid. Left with no other choice, he had turned to Chen Yanlong for help, hoping he would step in to safeguard the family's wealth.

Chen Yanlong agreed to the request, but with one condition: Liu Sihai had to consent to Chen Feng marrying Liu Qingqing and ensure the engagement proceeded as quickly as possible. Liu Sihai had been hesitant at first. After the recent ordeal, he had gained a newfound respect for the prowess of the Qingma Ghost Hand. He had hoped to rekindle the engagement between Liu Qingqing and me, especially since our union had been ordained by Grandfather Chen while he was still alive—a connection that had brought the family their prosperity in the first place. If I were willing to accept Liu Qingqing again, it would have been the best possible outcome for the Liu family.

Unfortunately, I had no intention of reuniting with her. With no other options, Liu Sihai finally sought Chen Yanlong’s aid. As the unparalleled Feng Shui master of the provincial capital, Chen’s mastery of the arcane arts was no less formidable than my own. However, what Liu Sihai had not anticipated was that his own daughter had no desire to marry Chen Feng.

After finishing his story, Uncle Hu stood up and patted my shoulder. "Qiyue, I know you are conflicted. But this engagement was specifically set by your grandfather to alter your destiny. I think you should go and see for yourself. Of course, whatever decision you make in the end, I will support you."

With that, Uncle Hu left my room. I shook my head in helplessness. At this moment, I did not know what to do. However, after careful consideration, I decided that I would go to the Liu residence tomorrow.

Even though the marriage contract between Liu Qing and me was no longer binding, I could not stand by and watch her die in her own home. If we could not be husband and wife, we could at least be friends. I offered a self-deprecating smile; it seemed my tendency toward a soft heart remained unchanged.

So be it. I would go to the Liu residence tomorrow to see what Chen Yanlong was truly plotting. He was so eager to have his grandson, Chen Feng, marry Liu Qingqing—there must be a hidden agenda. Could they truly be trying to seize the fortune my grandfather left for me to rewrite Chen Feng’s impending death-marked destiny? If that were the case, then I would have to confront the people of the Chen Mansion myself.

Once my plans were set, I decided to head to the Liu villa early the next morning to see what the Chen family of the provincial capital was up to. After a day of rest and preparation, I set off at eight o'clock the following morning, carrying the various artifacts my grandfather had left me. Uncle Hu wanted to accompany me, but I refused. The people of the Chen family acted in inscrutable and treacherous ways. If I were to run into trouble, Uncle Hu could still come in to rescue me; if both of us were to be trapped there, there would be no hope of survival.

"Uncle Hu, please stay here. If I do not return by 5:00 PM, it means I have met with misfortune. At that point, I ask that you do everything in your power to save me." I bowed to him. This trip to the Liu residence was fraught with uncertainty. If I were truly in danger, my greatest concern would be my parents back home.

"Qiyue, rest assured. With your Uncle Hu here, those demons and monsters cannot harm you. If anything happens to you, I will burn that Chen Mansion to the ground."

I nodded. If I were indeed lost, having the entire Chen Mansion accompany me to the grave seemed like a fair trade. Uncle Hu saw me out to the gate and watched as I boarded a taxi. This visit to the Liu residence was a critical trial in my early path through the Feng Shui world. If I could navigate it successfully, it would prove I had the strength to walk this path. If not, it would mean I was unsuited for the mystical arts, and in that event, Uncle Hu would bring me home even if it cost him his life. This was the promise he had made to my grandfather when he first became his apprentice. He would never allow the legacy of the Qingma Physiognomy to be severed. With this thought, Uncle Hu took out his phone and dialed a familiar number.

When I arrived at the Liu villa, I paid the fare and got out. Standing at the entrance, I gasped in surprise. The place was teeming with people—a lively, bustling crowd. Many had gathered, some with fanatic eyes, others filled with anticipation, and some merely curious onlookers. Security guards in uniform were maintaining order, keeping the crowd behind the perimeter. During the time I waited, several luxury cars roared into the villa’s parking area.

Interesting. To create such a spectacle, what exactly was the Chen family planning?

I adjusted my appearance to look a bit more mature, then crossed the police line and headed toward the entrance. Most of the security guards recognized me. Though they were surprised by my attire, they allowed me to pass. At the entrance, I saw Liu Sihai greeting his guests, with his wife and daughter standing beside him. Today, Liu Qingqing was dressed beautifully in a cream-colored gown, which lent a touch of mature elegance to her youthful, bright appearance. She didn't pay much attention to the guests, instead frequently casting her gaze toward the entrance. I knew she was waiting for me.

"Sihai, the time is drawing near! Surely our two families' betrothal ceremony is about to begin?" Chen Yanlong, dressed in a traditional Tang suit, stared intensely at Liu Sihai.

"Master Chen, I understand. Today is a auspicious day for our families to unite, and I would not want our guests to think I, Liu Sihai, am lacking in courtesy." Liu Sihai bowed to Chen Yanlong and continued, "The Liu family’s fortune has been poor lately, and there have been evil manifestations in our home. I suspect someone is working against us in the shadows. For the safety of my wife and child, I wish to choose an auspicious hour to finalize the engagement for the two children."

As expected of the richest man in the provincial capital, his words were impeccable and commanding of respect. Chen Yanlong nodded, said nothing more, and turned to walk into the hall. Today, no matter what, he would ensure his grandson seized the Liu family's fortune. In this provincial capital, surely no one would dare to oppose him. With that thought, Chen Yanlong grinned.